Poll: Half Of Californians Optimistic About 2013

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Angelenos and residents throughout California are more optimistic about the state’s economic prospects than at any time since the recession in 2007, according to a survey released Thursday.

A new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found more than half of Californians surveyed believe the state is moving in the right direction, thanks at least in part to policies supported by Governor Jerry Brown.

KNX 1070’s John Brooks reports just days after Brown released his budget, 51 percent of Californians — the highest number since January 2007 — expect the state will soon resolve its fiscal problems.

Survey: Californians optimistic about economic future

As many as 49 percent of 1,704 California adult residents interviewed for the PPIC survey also expect good economic times in the coming year, more than at any time since January 2007.

But while Californians gave Brown a record-high 51 percent job approval rating — up from 46 percent in January 2012 — 40 percent still believe the state is moving in the wrong direction. Nine percent of respondents said they are undecided about which direction the state is headed.

“It’s not getting worse, but it’s not getting better,” said one man. “I’m gonna give it a couple of months, it’s a little to early to call it right now.”

Click here (PDF) to read the survey by the Public Policy Institute of California.